Living with Parkinson's: Insights from Michael Buckley
In the vibrant artistic community of Australia, Michael Buckley, a 65-year-old New Zealander, has made a name for himself as a prolific creator. From independent films to short stories, his work is a testament to his resilience and creativity. But it is not just his artistic pursuits that have captured attention; Michael's journey with Parkinson's disease (PD) has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement, as well as non-motor symptoms like cognitive decline, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. The disease affects multiple brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, with the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra being the primary pathology.
Diagnosed with PD, Michael initially turned to alternative treatments rather than medication. His story is a reminder that while there is no cure for PD, treatments focus on symptom management and improving quality of life. Levodopa remains the gold-standard medication for PD, significantly improving motor symptoms in most patients. However, its effectiveness can wane over time, and side effects such as dyskinesias (involuntary movements) may develop.
Research into alternative or complementary treatments is ongoing. Areas of interest include dietary interventions, exercise regimens, supplements and vitamins, cannabis and CBD, neuromodulation, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy. While robust clinical evidence is limited, these avenues hold promise for managing PD symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.
Michael's creative work has been a source of solace and strength during his journey with PD. Many individuals with PD report that creative activities help them cope with the disease, maintain cognitive function, and improve emotional well-being. Michael continues to create, his drawing ability remaining unaffected by the disease.
Michael's life story is one of adventure and determination. Born in New Zealand, he lived in Europe for three years in the 1980s, doing odd jobs and living in squats. Upon his return to Australia, he began studying animation and film-making and has worked in these fields ever since. He attended school and pursued a teaching degree, but never completed it.
Michael met his wife, Sue, and lived with her in Collingwood and Fitzroy, Melbourne for 20 years. Sue's career involved extensive travel to Europe for several weeks to months at a time. Michael's only child, Simeon, lived back in Melbourne. Last year, Michael's first grandchild was born, but they didn't meet him until last November due to COVID travel restrictions.
Michael and his wife purchased a holiday house near Jervis Bay, Australia ten years ago, which later became their home. Despite his diagnosis with PD, Michael continues to exercise regularly, including riding an electric bike every morning and doing yoga once a week. He states that he doesn't let Parkinson's bring him down, and his best days are when he doesn't think about it too much.
As Michael plans to visit a Parkinson's specialist for an update on his treatment, his story serves as a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. His work, both artistic and personal, continues to inspire and uplift those around him.
- Michael's prolific artistic career, spanning films and short stories, underlines his resilience and creativity in the face of his chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
- As numerous brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are affected by PD, medical-conditions like cognitive decline, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances are common non-motor symptoms.
- Maintaining a focus on workplace-wellness is crucial, especially for individuals grappling with chronic-diseases such as PD, CKD, or other respiratory or digestive health complications.
- Eye-health and hearing are vital aspects of health-and-wellness, where routine check-ups can help detect potential issues associated with aging, cardiovascular-health, and neurological-disorders.
- Michael initially opted for alternative therapies and treatments, such as dietary interventions, supplements, exercise regimens, and yoga, to manage his PD symptoms.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in managing chronic-diseases and maintaining overall health-and-wellness, including men's health, mental-health, and skin-care.
- Fitness-and-exercise regimens, including riding an electric bike daily, are integral to addressing Parkinson's symptoms and managing other chronic diseases like cancer, autoimmune-disorders, and digestive-health issues.
- While Levodopa remains the gold-standard medication for PD, research into gene therapy, neuromodulation, and stem cell therapy continues, offering hope for improved treatments and therapies in the future.
- Aging brings various health challenges, impacting cardiovascular-health, neurological-disorders, skin-conditions, and neural function, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and healthcare management.
- Apart from Michael's artistic pursuits, his story underscores the essential role of mental-health and emotional well-being in coping with chronic-diseases and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
- Through his determination, resilience, and continued creativity, Michael's journey serves as an inspiration to all, championing the importance of self-care, wellness, and embracing life's challenges.
